System and Method to Assist a User In Achieving a Goal

ABSTRACT

A system and method to facilitate lifestyle changes by providing support, motivation, progress/tracking, information, analysis. Exemplary embodiments include targeted suggestions for changes based on the individual&#39;s actual activity to increase the likelihood of a successful adoption. Exemplary embodiments may also include convenient mechanisms for entering information into the system for assessing and tracking the user&#39;s performance.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62/053,668,filed Sep. 22, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entiretyinto this application.

BACKGROUND

Staying motivated to achieve a goal can be difficult for any person.Every year people make resolutions at the beginning of the year that arerarely ever fulfilled for more than just a fleeting time. Dieting,eating healthy, and exercising are of particular difficulty for thosethat are not accustomed to these habits already.

In many cases, poor dietary habits arise from ignorance of foodcompositions, such as calories, carbohydrates, and other contributingfactors to high sugar, fat, and other properties that aredisadvantageous to weight loss. Moreover, portion and serving sizestypically served by restaurants or self-administered are not commiseratewith the health information provided on packages. Instead, theseportions are generally much larger than for a single individual.

Conventional dietary programs require a person to track differentfactors or to eat prearranged items or portions. The user must measureout appropriate amounts, track numbers, and self-assess their progress.Even with associated support groups, such as on-line or group meetings,these programs lack individual attention or analysis from an outsideperspective to identify areas of improvement for a user. Even ifdoctors, nutritionists, personal trainers, or dietary coaches are used,the interaction with these individuals is periodic and subject to thelimitations of the individual's disclosures.

The difficulty is even greater when a health and dietary program arenecessary to prevent certain health conditions. Many adverse healthconditions may be improved, reduced, or eliminated with a proper dietand exercise. However, knowing what to do for a specific condition maybe difficult. I many cases for people attempting to make an appropriatelifestyle change, they find that there was really no one that couldsupport them to quickly find a path that was right for that individual.No one to help them save time and money on their journey to prevent thedisease or condition. No one to help them stay motivated and on trackwith healthy habits for life.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments described herein include an easy-to-use programthat puts a user in control and helps them stay on track with healthyhabits—anytime, anywhere.

Exemplary embodiments described herein provide a user applicationaccessible on an electronic device, such as a mobile device, thatpermits the user to: get a personalized program; track their progress;enjoy real time coaching support; join a small select group of peers forsupport; earn rewards and save on wellness brands; and any combinationthereof. The application may incorporate motivation, education, andconvenience/environment to increase a user's chance of success inadopting lifestyle changes to achieve their goals.

Exemplary embodiments include assessing an individual's actual activityand target activity and suggesting/encouraging minor changes towardtheir goal that can be adopted and maintained by a user. Therefore,exemplary embodiments provide a personalized approach, continuedassessment, tracking, suggested trajectory based on the actual habits ofthe individual.

Exemplary embodiments include easy and convenient systems and methodsfor tracking a user's actual performance. For example, activitytrackers, such as sleep timers, walker/running counters, etc., heartrate monitors, etc. may interface with the application to directly feedactivity levels and other biological and health information directly tothe program for storing, tracking, display, and assessing. Algorithmswithin the program or interfacing with the program may also be used toeasily determine and track other factors of interest for the user. Forexample, a portion control, calorie counter, program may be incorporatedsuch that a user simply needs to take a picture of a consumed product orlabel and the proper portion size and/or macro nutrient composition maybe estimated. Other attributes may be suggested, such as consumed goods,dietary attributes, portion, calories, etc. A user interface may also beprovided such that a user can manually enter in one or more pieces ofinformation such as preferences, tracked characteristics (e.g. weight),activities, food intake, etc.

Exemplary embodiments may also provide a social and support platformsuch that a user may receive support when needed. Educational materialsmay also be supplied to a user through the application at relevant timesin the individual's journey, such that the interaction with theapplication is personalized to the individual and their present, past,and anticipated trajectories.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 and 5 are exemplary features, algorithms, and premisessupporting applications described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a client-server networkenvironment to implement the on-line system according to embodimentsdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates by way of example, not byway of limitation, the principles of the invention. This descriptionwill clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use theinvention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations,alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presentlybelieved to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. It should beunderstood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematicrepresentations of exemplary embodiments of the invention, and are notlimiting of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn toscale.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein in terms of dietary andexercise programs to avoid type 2 diabetes. However, it should beunderstood that embodiments of this invention are not so limited, butare additionally applicable to other lifestyle changes necessary toimprove a user's life and/or avoid other health conditions or diseases.Other applications may also benefit from one or more features describedherein. Therefore, it is understood that any combination of features maybe used for any desired purpose. For example, the sizing algorithm maybe used to assess dressing sizes for a retail store. Furthermore,although embodiments of the invention may be described and illustratedherein in terms of a website application, it should be understood thatembodiments of the invention are also applicable to other interfaces,such as mobile applications, portals, dedicated electronic devices, andconfigurations in which a consumer may input and receive informationthrough an interface communicating through a network to a host system.

In an exemplary embodiment, a software platform enables a user to bringtogether conveniently and easily previously disconnected resources(support networks, information portals, tracking and logging activityand habit information, trajectory assessment, health careprovider/coach/trainer involvement, payors (such as insurance providers)and combinations thereof) to be networked together. In an exemplaryembodiment, a user may receive information, contact support networks,track dietary and activity levels, receive personalized information andtrajectory or suggested behavioral changes, receive assessments andanalysis of progress in real time or semi-real time.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user may download an application or accessa website. The application may be resident on a mobile device, such as acell phone. The application may comprise a user interface for receivinginformation from a user. Information may include biological and personalcharacteristics, such as gender, weight, health history, preferences,goals, perceived behaviors, etc.

The application may include one or more portals for receiving trackedinformation from a user. For example, the application may interface withone or more separate digital electronic devices, or may incorporatetrackers into the mobile device directly. For example, information suchas activity levels, sleep amounts and quality, step counters, calorieburned estimators, etc. may be used to automatically track a user'sactivity level and communicate with the application to receive, store,track, and display such activity.

The application may include one or more portals for analyzing andproviding a personalized program for altering a user's lifestyle. Theapplication may track desired activities and suggest further activitiesbased on the actual success rates or previous habits alreadyencountered. For example, the application may use a calendaring/remindersystem to suggest activities such as walking. If the user's actualactivity level indicates more success in a certain time of day, then thesuggested additional activity may similarly be suggested around thecorresponding time of day. If a certain activity is not adopted by auser, then alternative activities may be suggested until a successfuladoption is made. Suggestions may be made based on information enteredabout a user, such as preferences, gender, age, physical health, etc.,actual performance, such as adoption of other activities, and/or similarconsiderations of others having one or more characteristics in commonwith the user that may suggest a probable success for this individualuser.

Educational and other information may be provided periodically and/ormay be provided to coincide with successes and deficiencies in theactual performance of the user compared to the desired goals. Forexample, if a user is consuming higher levels of carbohydrates, theneducational materials such as alternatives or how to identify foods withhigh carbohydrate content may be provided to the user.

The application may also include a support feature. In an exemplaryembodiment, the user may communicate with a support network of otherusers, friends, family, and/or coaches, trainers, doctors, etc. Theapplication may also provide an automatic support system that includes,for example, reminders, alerts, encouraging notes, music, and otherinspirational or motivational mechanisms either periodically or inresponse to specific activities of a user. For example, reminders may beprovided before or questions regarding completion of activities may beprovided after scheduled activities. If activities are lagging induration or skipped, alternatives may be suggested, encouraging messagesor music may be provided, or a support person or network contacted oralerted to provide in person contact and encouragement.

The application may include a portion control features or dietarytracker that logs information about the user's dietary intake. In anexemplary embodiment, the portion control permits a user to take apicture of a meal about to be consumed. The application may then assessa proper portion control and provide feedback to the user on anappropriate quantity to consume. The portion control may work on a macrolevel and determine an entire portion based on plate size, or quantityby identifying an outer perimeter of food on a plate and assessing ageneral appropriate amount. The user and/or program may also identifyspecific food types and/or individual portions within an overall mean,such that individual portions of specific food types(vegetables/carbs/etc.) may be assessed. Additional food quantities suchas calories, carbohydrates, sugars, etc. may also be entered,calculated, or determined by the program and/or the user.

The application may also permit a health coach to interact with theuser. In an exemplary embodiment, the health coach may receive thepicture taken of the meal to provide motivational encouragement, such asacknowledging changes that were made and implemented, and/or to providesuggestions or additional modifications, such as by suggesting fewerhigh carbohydrate options and instead identifying availablesubstitutions. The health coach may be virtual, actual, or combinationsthereof to provide real-time feedback to a user given inputs from theuser into the system.

Thus, exemplary embodiments permit a user to track, analyze and modifylifestyle activities to achieve a desired goal. Embodiments describedherein provide a personalized, automatic approach that uses the user'sactual performance, preferences, and characteristics to achieve thedesired goal. Embodiments described herein may provide a simple andconvenient mechanism to track features that impact the desired goal suchthat a user may determine their success in altering these features,determine areas of improvement, receive personalized information,suggestions, and support corresponding to that success or lack thereof,and any combination thereof.

In exemplary embodiments, moderate to slight changes are suggested atintervals that are more likely to be adopted and maintained by a user.For example, a walking regiment may be started with just a few minutes aday. If the actual activity tracker indicates success, the additionalminutes may be added at intervals. If the user does that meet theoriginal or increased amount, on any given event or over an extendedperiod, the application may query the user for a reason or provide oneor more alternate suggestions that the user may be more inclined tomeet.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary set of core principles to create thedesired behavioral change. For example, the behavioral change may bebrought about by analyzing and using a person's motivation, ability, andtriggers. In an exemplary embodiment, the motivation includes the user'smental state in wanting to change their behavior. The motivation mayalso include other mental considerations, such as the other strengthsand weaknesses of the user in maintaining a desired behavior. In anexemplary embodiment, the ability is the actual behavior of the user.For example, this may include the user's ability to perform physicalactivities. The ability may be in fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing. Theuser's triggers may include environmental or personal actions that theuser responds to. Therefore, triggers may be both internal and external.The combination of motivation, ability, and triggers are therefore usedin conjunction to change a user's behavior.

As shown in FIG. 1, the triggers, both internal and external, eithertrigger certain actions of the user. The actions may be based onintuitive reactions or reasoned cost/benefit evaluation of the triggers.The actions will also be informed by the person's ability and timingurgency. If the desired action is achieved, then a reward program may beused to reinforce that action in the future. Finally, investment intothe action or continuation of the action is also considered. Investmentmay include any actual action by the user, such as monetary, timecommitments, overall improvement, as well as other costs/benefitsperceived by the user either in past performance or continuedperformance. The triggers can be tailored based on what action/rewardscheme the user actually responds to, so the continued investment tomaintain the desired behavior is reduced. The lifecycle then curbs orcontrols the actions in response to the triggers, thus offsetting theoriginal behavioral response.

Motivation is the important desire “to get us up and go”. Staying ontrack is hard in part because motivation comes and goes. Exemplaryembodiments may be designed to support a user to change to healthyhabits with continuous, real time coaching, peer support and engagingmobile tools during the habit forming sixteen-week core phase andongoing during the maintenance phase of the program. In both phases, auser may be rewarded by first taking control of their health and then byfeeling better and healthier.

Education provides the user with the “reason why” and the “what to do”.Exemplary embodiments incorporate “learning by doing”, rather thanhaving a user sit down in front of a computer or in a class. It's simplymore engaging and memorable. The exemplary mobile application andcoaches provide important tips on nutrition, fitness and well-being on auser's mobile device when the user needs it. Exemplary embodimentsprovide a personalized plan that is right for the individual user andgoals. Under the supervision of a coach, a user may receive apersonalized plan that is based on the latest diabetes preventionscience and the user's individual profile, that is easy to follow andavailable through the mobile application.

Environment is the world we live in. It's filled with restaurants,grocery and drug stores and other venues that can either help us achieveour goals, or trip up our success in achieving them. Exemplaryembodiments permit wellness brands to become partners with users intheir journey to a healthier life. And to do so, exemplary embodimentspermit wellness brands the opportunity to provide users with gift cardsto stores like Safeway, Whole Foods, CVS and Foot Locker, retailers thatare ready to support users as they pursue and meet their personal healthgoals.

Convenience is preferred because intuitive behavior prefers simplicity.Exemplary embodiments user an “Easier is Better” approach designed intoa program to be simple—from the mobile tools that use familiar yetpowerful features, to the content that includes simple yet science basedbest practices.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example high level dynamically adjusted, realtime, coaching action as described herein. First, the user either tracksor enters past behavior, either through answering questions in aquestionnaire, filling out statistics information, importing biologicalor tracking information from one or more devices, and combinationsthereof. The data is then reviewed within one or more categories. Asshown, the user's historical ability, motivation, and triggers arequantified. The system may permit the user to select a goal, oridentifies a goal that is incrementally above the present overallpresent position of the user. After a few small achievements, the systemand/or user may increment the overall goals to a higher level as thereal time ability, motivation, and triggers evolve. The system analyzespersonal information, including past performance and reactions of theuser to predict future behaviors to achieve the goals and tailor thetrigger/action path identified from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a specific exemplary algorithm to implement the dynamicallyadjusted, real time, coaching action exemplified in FIG. 2. Thealgorithm intakes information, personalizes the program to determineaction and trigger plans for the specific user, to then be followed ortracked, and result in rewards to the user.

First, at step 1, the user is provided one or more options for enteringpersonal information. In an exemplary embodiment, the user is presentedwith one or more questions in one or more categories. The one or morequestions may be decided based on a decision tree such that questionsare presented in a more progressive or specific fashion depending on oneor more answers of previous questions. Exemplary categories includemotivation, ability, triggers, nutrition, fitness, wellbeing, andcombinations thereof. Motivation may include why the user is using theprogram; what the user wants to achieve; when are difficulties orweaknesses of the user that the user wants to change. The ability of theuser may be their current fitness, nutritional, and wellbeing habits,such as food selection choices, caloric intake, exercise levels, etc.Triggers may be what actions or events create action for the user,either positive or negative. For example, a user may first be askedabout a family history of type 2 diabetes as a starting question underthe motivation to improve health, the progressive question may ask whenthe most difficult cravings set is. The questions under ability mayinclude present activity, nutrition, or wellbeing levels. For example,the user may be asked about current activity levels and caloric dailyintakes. The trigger questions may include questions about whether theuser uses calendaring tools, or more progressive questions may includewhat makes it difficult for a user to eat less at dinner, or whatstresses cause an eating response.

As step 2, the system personalizes the program to the individual user.As seen in FIG. 3, the system can determine a low, medium, or highqualitative level for the user in one or more categories, such asability, motivation, trigger, fitness, nutrition, wellbeing, andcombinations thereof. The system may then identify the weak and strongareas of the user to alter to provide customized triggers to makeincremental adjustments in the actions of the user. The system mayidentify incremental improvements or goals associated with the one ormore categories such that the user's behavior is altered within aneasily manageable incremental iteration specific to the user. The systemmay modify the goal as successes are achieved to result in the overalllarger behavioral modification.

At steps 3A and 3B, the system simultaneously identifies actions of theuser and triggers of the user to affect user responses. Exemplaryembodiments of curbing actions may include the portion control, calorieand activity trackers, as described herein. The actions may also includethe action plan such as identify target activities, calorie limits,specific foods to increase, specific foods to avoid, suggestedactivities and levels, etc. The system may therefore track and identifydeficiencies or surplus in nutrition, fitness, or wellbeing and providespecific tailored suggestions based on the present and expected futurebehavior of the user in response to the suggestions. At step 3A,therefore, a detailed plan of action is provided. The specific plan mayinclude caloric limits, food type quantities, activities targets, etc.At step 3B, the system may include therapeutic remarks, advice,recommendations, messages to act and triggers for the user's benefit.For example, messages may be timed with specific user actions to reminda user to limit portion size or use the portion size control feature ator before regular meals, may include suggestions or recipes for meals,etc. The system may provide other messages or motivational triggers toachieve certain behavioral changes.

At step 4, the action plan is monitored and the results analyzed. Forexample, actual activity of the user is tracked and compared to thesuggestions made. The action and triggers at steps 3A and 3B aretherefore modified based on the response of the user in actualperformance. Therefore, if the user has a propensity to modifyingbehavior given one set of suggestions but not another, continuedsuggestions may be made in line with the accepted behavioral changesinstead of the rejected suggestions. For example, if a user acceptswalking the stairs instead of taking the elevator, but does not startriding a bike instead of watching t.v., the action plan and motivationaltriggers may be altered consistent with the expected future behavior ofthe user. In this case, for example, additional action plan items may bemodifying behavior already performed and merely extending actionsalready in progress, such as parking further from the office and walkinginstead of creating entirely new actions during a daily routine.Therefore, the actual action performed may inform and alter the actionplan and triggers used to achieve the desired behavioral change.

At step 5, the system outputs variable rewards. The system may providereal-time personalized dynamically adjusted treatment plans. Thereal-time, dynamically adjusted therapeutic recommendations,motivations, and notifications may be personalized to the individual toachieve the desired behavioral changes of the individual. The system mayprovide real-time, activity based feedback through metrics, wellnessrewards, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, rewards may includemotivational messages from a social group or trainer or automaticallygenerated by the system. Rewards may also include one or moreillustrated metrics showing the success achieved by the user in alteringbehavior over time. The rewards may also include monetary incentivessuch as wellness related product discounts.

Exemplary embodiments may comprise a software application downloaded andstored on a mobile device such as a cell phone. The application may bestored in memory and executed by a processor. Interfaces may bedisplayed on the mobile device screen. Sensors, cameras, and othercomponents of the mobile device may communicate with the application toprovide exemplary features such as activity tracking, portion control,etc. External devices such as sensors, cameras, etc. may similarly beused to communicate either directly or indirectly with the applicationto provide desired information to the application. The application mayalso communicate over a network such as the internet to provide asupport network of users, receive/send information and data to or fromremote locations such as servers, processors, and databases to store,retrieve, analyze, compare, etc. data and information.

Exemplary embodiments therefore include an application to be run on amobile or computer device and one or more monitoring devices. Monitoringdevices may be biometric and/or activity monitors such as electronicdevices configured to count steps, track sleep patterns, measure weight,etc. The electronic devices may communicate through wireless or wiredchannels to send and retrieve information to and from the mobile devicethrough the application. In an exemplary embodiment, the application isconfigured to present the user one or more user interfaces configured toretrieve information from the user to provide past and presentinformation about the user's ability, motivation, nutrition, activity,and wellbeing. The application is also configured to display informationand messages to the user to provide a plan and triggers to curb theuser's behavior. The application is also configured to permit real-timecoaching by permitting communication with a trainer, such as throughchat messaging or verbal recorded messages. The application is alsoconfigured to permit social peer groups to share results, messages,communications, information, etc. The application is also configured topermit user's to earn and receive rewards, such as coupons or discountson wellness items. Any combination of features may be used as desired toobtain the desired behavioral changes.

Exemplary embodiments of the program may include one or more phases. Inan exemplary embodiment, a first phase or core phase is used to createor define a new behavioral pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, a secondphase or maintenance phase is used to maintain and encourage thecontinuation of the altered behavioral pattern created in the corephase.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first phase comprises a 16-week CorePhase. The core phase gets a user ready by setting profiles,personalizing the plan, receiving/setting up/downloading associateddevices/trackers/programs (such as scale/pedometer/application). Overthe course of the core phase, the user can receive information andsupport in key areas including nutrition, fitness, and wellbeing. Eachweek may be dedicated to a prearranged topic such as sleep, eating out,healthy foods and choices, alcohol/beverages, carbohydrates, etc. Thedifferent key areas may be related by topic or may address differentlessons. Each week may be prearranged and generic to any user or may bespecifically tailored to an individual user, including theircharacteristics, goals, actual performance, etc. Combinations ofpre-arranged and targeted topics may be incorporated. In the case oftargeted support and information, the program or coach may pushinformation to the user based on their actual performance. For example,if the user's diet is heavy in carbohydrates, then a day or week lessonmay be provided on identifying carbohydrates, replacing carbohydrateswith other alternatives already appearing in the user's diet or similarthereto, suggesting portion reductions when carbohydrates areidentified, providing support and reminder messages to avoid certainfoods when they are likely to be consumed or providing alternatives thatmay be available when the food to avoid is likely to be consumed, etc.

A specific embodiment is now provided to illustrate specific featuresand algorithms described herein. The following describes the uniquefeatures and the underlying algorithm of an exemplary embodiment. Fourdrawings will be referenced here that are attached (FIGS. 1-3 and 5).

An exemplary technology platform is provided herein that enablesconsumers to make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent and managedisease. An exemplary disease may be Diabetes and specifically thecondition called prediabetes. Other diseases may include heart disease,obesity, and stroke. This technology platform places the consumer in thecenter of the ecosystem connected to the mobile app, which is a behaviorchange tool based on the latest behavior economics and diabetesprevention science. The ecosystem of partners consists of wearable techcompanies such as Apple, Samsung and Fitbit providing body sensor anddisplay technologies. It also includes health providers such asprogressive private practices and hospitals and consumer productwellness brands and wellness retailers such as Safeway, Whole Foods,CVS, Walgreens, Foot Locker, The Chopra Center. Payers such as healthinsurance companies and employers may also be important participants.

Exemplary embodiments are built in a “Mobile First” environment topromote an on the go behavior change and includes a coach service centerto effectively deliver and scale lifestyle intervention for millions ofusers. The health goals of weight loss, increase in physical activityand improved emotional wellbeing are delivered to a user in a convenientinterface. Below is an exemplary underlying algorithm and featuretranslation.

For behavior change to occur, motivation, education (ability) andtriggers (external environment and internal triggers) have to cometogether with a high time based urgency for the individual to act.Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in order to make the behaviorchange a consistent habit, short term and long term rewards need to bebuilt in that work both on the intuitive, subconscious, emotional levelas well as on the conscious, cost/benefit level. Convenience is built inby providing the user a simple solution that does not require willpoweron an ongoing basis, but is rather executed on the subconscious,intuitive level leading to the result of creating healthy habits.

These principles have been uniquely applied in an exemplary modelillustrated by FIG. 2. The model includes past behavior, analyzed usingbehavior economics and predicts future behavior and the most effectivelifestyle interventions to form consistent healthy habits in the leastintrusive and most expedited way. At the heart of the algorithm is the“personalizer” or healthy behavior matrix (FIG. 3, also illustrated inexercise punnett squares FIG. 5). It evaluates a person's motivation,ability and trigger on dimensions of fitness, nutrition and emotionalwellbeing over time (FIG. 2) resulting in a weighted scoring system thatanalyzes past behavior, predicts future behavior and producespersonalized digital therapy recommendations.

At the beginning of the program, the consumer answers profile questionsthat indicate ingoing motivation, ability and trigger levels on fitness,nutrition and wellbeing. This data and its resulting scores leads to apersonalized plan covering the three wellness dimensions (FIGS. 2-3),and therapeutic real time interventions/recommendations, and activitybased feedback and rewards. Importantly, this algorithm is performingdynamically adjusted, real time, coaching actions or D.A.R.C.A. (FIG.2). This means that as the user's motivation, ability and triggers arechanging, say progressing from an early stage to a more advanced stage,or cycling through erratic periods, the program, digital therapeuticrecommendations and rewards are dynamically adjusting to the optimallevels for habit formation. On an ongoing basis, actual past behaviorsto program recommendations, rather than profile questions will drivefuture recommendations.

The underlying software uses Big Data, predictive and artificialintelligence modeling. The lifestyle interventions are modeled as towhat a human coach would execute, however are much more powerful inspeed, scale and accuracy. The biggest challenge is displayingempathetic coaching behavior. The healthy days software goal as to scaleis to enable a minimum coverage level of one human coach to 500consumers.

Exemplary embodiments may be configured to drive maximum userengagement, and may comprise the following combination of productfeatures on their own and as a whole system, and any combinationthereof:

Personal Health Coaching: An exemplary embodiment may implement a uniquefusion of human intervention via instant coaching and technology viamobile hot triggers such as texting, calendaring and photo taking. Thisunique blend may be used to provide higher effectiveness of healthoutcomes.

Meal Feature: The nutrition feature comprises taking a picture of ameal, digital portion control, instant coach nutrition feedback, andcombinations thereof. The ensuing personal relationship of coach andmember enables the accountability feeling of the member who is motivatedto improve their health outcomes.

Digital Sizing and Digital Portion Control Description: Exemplaryembodiments includes an easy and engaging way for consumers to “takemeasure” of an object by simply taking a photograph. The firstapplication will come in the form of a Digital Portion Control withinthe mobile application.

Portion control is a clinically proven way to reduce weight. The foodand diet industries have applied it in the form of 100 calorie packs,portion controlled frozen meals and small plate movements. A persontends to over-serve onto larger plates, and because people consume anaverage of 92% of what they serve themselves, larger plates lead tolarger food intake. A two inch difference in plate diameter—from 12″ to10″ plates—would result in 22% fewer calories being served, yet it isnot drastic enough to trigger a counteracting response. If a typicaldinner has 800 calories, a smaller plate would lead to a weight loss ofaround 18 pounds per year for an average size adult.

Digital portion control enables the consumer to eat the right amount offood by ensuring the food on a plate fits within a 9 inch diameter asmeasured through a camera lens. It may be logged and communicated bytaking a picture with a mobile device. Exemplary embodiments provideinstant feedback about portion size via the “ruler like” circle on thecamera screen that the user holds over the food making sure that thefood on the plate fits inside the circle (green zone). If the food is+0.5 inches outside the circle (yellow); if the food is +1 inch outsidecircle (red). The camera will need to autofocus in a way that allows thegreen circle to always match a 9 inch food diameter and be in focus. Ifa user tries to adjust closer or farther, the picture gets out of focus.The user can adjust the portion size right away if necessary and thentake the picture as a log of a right sized portion. The features of thelens view are such that the color coding is apparent as the user looksthorough the lens at the food. A real time diameter counter on the sideof the lens may be used to inform the consumer of the actual size of thefood as s/he zooms in or out and fits the now out of focus food into thecircle. The logged picture will be analyzed for portion size by anutrition trained lifestyle coach who provides a color coded feedbackmessage to the consumer. Digital portion control may be combined with aspectrometer for additional nutritional analysis and feedback of thefood that the user is about to consume.

Other applications can be found in clothing where online shoppers willbe able to upload and submit a picture of themselves with their order toensure the right size of the garment. Exemplary embodiments may allowfor 3D sizing to capture various planes of the human body.

Calendarization: Exemplary embodiments use the calendaring, reminder andnotification systems that are simple yet powerful in creating routines.Research shows that people (with Diabetes) that are more organized havehigher compliance rates with doctor's therapy's and medication schedulesand hence show improved outcomes than people that are not.

Messaging: An exemplary feature set is the peer to peer interaction ofusers exchanging information and sentiments, as well as consumer tocoach private messaging. Powering the social need and behavior patternwill enable the “Education” (ability) function, the “Motivation”function, as well as the internal “Triggers” to be activated. Havingthis ability in real-time at the “point of action” (POA), say duringmeal consumption, or on a brisk walk will drive up consumer relevance toa high level.

Personalized Program (Program tab): Having content and progress trackingthat is personalized and always current at your fingertips in a mobileenvironment is increasing engagement and Education.

Rewards: To connect the physical environment into a supporting networkfor the consumer's journey to a healthier life, exemplary embodimentsenable wellness brands to participate in a rewards program. This willensure consumer loyalty exemplary embodiments, to healthy habits andalso begin to change the consumer's commercial ecosystem towardshealthier offerings impacting society on a more macro level. In turn,this healthier eco system will stimulate healthier behavior by consumersdriving a positive cycle further.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a client-server networkenvironment to implement the system according to embodiments describedherein. An application resident on the client device 110A-110C presentsa user interface 120 through the display of the client device, andcommunicates over a network 100 with one or more servers 105A-105C andtheir databases 106A-106C. This client device-server system isconfigured to enable a user of the client device 110A-110C to implementthe system, including, but not limited to, entering in personalinformation; interfacing/communicating with support networks; enteringor receiving information about the user, their journey, and their goal,to be stored, tracked, and analyzed; displaying information to a userconsistent with a location along their journey; analyzing data andsuggesting individual behavioral changes based on the actual behavior ofthe user that indicate the changes more likely to be adopted by a user;and combinations thereof. The client devices such as a smart phone 110A,personal digital assistant/tablet 110B, laptop computer 110C may have abrowser to execute the application or may have a resident applicationexecuted by the client device scripted to run the system and cooperateor communicate with a remote server or computer.

A database, such as a first database 106A, maintains a database forstoring one or more attributes of the system. When the server 105A is aninternet site, the server may be comprised of at least one or moreservers and cooperating databases. This new, simple, platform enablesanyone to store personalized information conveniently and efficientlyfrom any number of locations. One or more modules, such as a clientapplication on the mobile client device or server applet resident on theserver, may be configured to present an interface to support the intakeand output of information for one or more of the functions describedherein. The client application may have code scripted to present one ormore user interface templates that may be user customizable, have one ormore prompted input fields, and/or is configured to work with a browserand a remote server. The server applet works with a browser applicationresident on the client device and serves one or more web pages to theclient device with the resident browser. Communication with remotedevices, servers, computers, users, mobile devices, databases, etc. maybe in real time or may be at periodic intervals as dictated by the needsand associated functions of the communicated information.

Referring to FIG. 4, each client device 110A-110C can communicate thecontent entered into the various user interface fields to set orpopulate one or more attributes of the database over the network to theserver 105A-105C potentially located on the World Wide Web. A softwareprogram resident on the server, such as the first server 105A, takes inthe entered details. The backend server aggregates the information. Theinformation is passed to the database. The database may receive, store,and disseminate information, such as, for example, about the user,dietary, behavioral and/or activity habits, etc. The server may be usedto communicate and update information stored in the database andcommunicate to or with one or more associated users in response to thereceived information. Thus, a software program resident on the server iscoded to take in the details from one or more users, assess theinformation received, and perform specific functions in response to thereceived information. The server may then supply information back toeach client device to be displayed on a display screen of that clientdevice as well as supply information back to one or more other networkedusers, such as the support network, coach, and/or doctor, etc. The webapplication on the server can cooperate over a wide area network, suchas the Internet or a cable network, with two or more client machineseach having resident applications.

In an embodiment, the software used to facilitate the protocol andalgorithms associated with the process can be embodied ontonon-transitory machine-readable medium. A machine-readable mediumincludes any mechanism that provides (e.g., stores and/or transmits)information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). Forexample, a machine-readable medium includes read only memory (ROM);random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storagemedia; flash memory devices; DVD's, EPROMs, EEPROMs, FLASH, magnetic oroptical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronicinstructions. The information representing the apparatuses and/ormethods stored on the machine-readable medium may be used in the processof creating the apparatuses and/or methods described herein. Any portionof the server implemented in software and any software implemented onthe client device are both stored on their own computer readable mediumin a non-transitory executable format. Embodiments described herein,such as modules, applications, or other functions may be configured ashardware, software, or a combination thereof. The configuration may bestored one a single dedicated device such as an application locallyresident and executed on mobile devices 110A-11C configured tocommunicate over a network or across many devices such as a websitehosted across one or more servers 105A-C retrieving information acrossone or more databases 106A-C, to communicate across a network 100 to alocal device, such as laptop 110B, or any combination thereof.Embodiments may also take advantage of cloud computing, such that theexemplary modules, applications, or other functions are stored remotelyon one or more servers or devices, and accessed over a network such asthe internet or other network connection from an electronic device, suchas a mobile device.

While some specific embodiments of the invention have been shown theinvention is not to be limited to these embodiments. For example, mostfunctions performed by electronic hardware components may be duplicatedby software emulation, and vise verse. Thus, a software program writtento accomplish those same functions may emulate the functionality of thehardware components in input-output circuitry. The invention is to beunderstood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein,but only by scope of the appended claims.

For example, exemplary embodiments are provided in terms of one or moremodules, functions, or interfaces. These modules, functions, orinterfaces are explained as separate operating units for simplicity andare not intended to be so limited. Instead, these features may becombined, separated, integrated, or otherwise redefined in anyconfiguration to perform one or more functions or attributes describedherein. Therefore, different modules may perform one or more of thedesired functions. The modules may be combined and integrated so thatthe two described modules are performed by a single module. Similarly,as recited in the claims, the indication of a first, second, or otherobject, feature, interface, module, etc. is intended to distinguishfunctions and does not indicate a quantity or separate entity. Instead,as long as one or more objects, features, interfaces, modules, etc. arepresent including the recited functions, the first, second, or other ispresent in the system. Similarly, embodiments described as occurring onany one electronic device, mobile device, server, or network may beperformed by any other device, may be performed on a single device, ormay be performed across devices.

Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that variouschanges and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as beingincluded within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined bythe appended claims.

1-9. (canceled)
 10. A platform to facilitate healthy lifestyle changesincluding improved diet and exercise, consisting: an applicationviewable on a mobile device, the application configured to: track anactivity level and dietary level of a user; analyze the tracked levelsin relation to a goal; and provide feedback to the user in response tothe analysis.
 11. The platform of claim 10, wherein the applicationsuggests additional activities to the user to achieve the goal.
 12. Theplatform of claim 11, wherein the application receives an input toindicate whether the user complied with the suggested additionalactivities.
 13. The platform of claim 12, wherein the applicationevaluates the suggested additional activities and the compliance of theuser with respect to the suggested additional activities, and provides aweighted scoring system to predict future behavior and suggestpersonalized additional activities to the user.
 14. The platform ofclaim 11, wherein the application tracks the user's compliance with thesuggested activities over time to evaluate the user's motivation,ability, and triggers on fitness and nutrition, the applicationproviding a weighted scoring system to predict future behavior of a userand provide personalize recommendations.
 15. The platform of claim 14,wherein the application tracks and identifies deficiencies or surplusesin nutrition or fitness and provides specific tailored suggestions basedon the weighted scoring system for the expected future behavior inresponse to the specific tailored suggestions.
 16. The platform of claim15, wherein the applications further provides remarks, advise, andmessages to act as triggers for the user.
 17. The platform of claim 15,wherein the application further automatically generates motivationalmessages to the user.
 18. The platform of claim 10, wherein theapplication further comprises using data and predictive and artificialintelligence modeling to display empathetic coaching responses to theuser.
 19. The platform of claim 10, wherein information, suggestedtrajectories, alerts, calendars notices, and any combination thereof areused to modify a lifestyle habit of the user for an extended period oftime.
 20. The platform of claim 10, wherein the application furthercomprises a portion control system configured to receive an image of afood for consumption by the user.
 21. The platform of claim 20, whereinthe application provides instant feedback indicating a portion sizeoverage relative to a target plate size.